"Thank you as well, for all your thoughtfulness. My dear little Lan Ni Er." Redman gently kissed his daughter's cheek.
The nation was rotten to the core, war had erupted throughout its lands, and powerful ministers held the Imperial Court in their grip.
Only now did Redman awaken from his drunken dream and realize that everything had already become irreparable.
The situation had deteriorated beyond all possibility of stopping it.
He was old now, no longer possessing the vigor and strength of his youth.
Perhaps Olga's glory will truly end in my hands. As he ate the sweet cakes his daughter had made herself, waves of bitterness welled up in his heart.
Lan Ni Er and Andrew soon took their leave.
The two slowly made their way down the broad stone corridor, slanting sunlight from the setting sun spilling over them.
The guards on both sides repeatedly swept their brazen, naked gazes over Lan Ni Er.
They were all Minister Gorn's men. His people controlled the entire palace guard, yet they were also Great Emperor Redman's only remaining support.
The ancient empire's immense power was concentrated in Godo's hands, making that powerful minister ever more unrestrained.
Andrew noticed this, and a trace of disgust flashed through his eyes.
"Lan Ni Er." He suddenly stopped.
"What is it, Brother?" Lan Ni Er stopped behind him as well.
"Are you afraid?" No emotion could be seen in Andrew's calm eyes.
"Afraid of what?" Lan Ni Er looked bewildered.
"Our home, the entire empire, the entire royal family—they are all swaying in the wind and rain. Father is struggling to hold everything together, but regrettably, the world does not bend to his will." Andrew's tone was even.
"B-but isn't Father still perfectly well?" Lan Ni Er could not understand.
"You are too naive."